Leighton: Chamber Works

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Kenneth Leighton's "Chamber Works," a remarkable collection of compositions that showcase the brilliance of this British composer. Released in 1993, this album features a diverse range of pieces that highlight Leighton's mastery of choral and instrumental music.

The album opens with "Fantasy on an American Hymn-Tune, Op. 70," a piece that beautifully blends traditional hymn tunes with Leighton's unique compositional style. Following this is "Alleluia Pascha Nostrum, Op. 85," a choral work that exemplifies Leighton's ability to create deeply moving and spiritually resonant music.

A significant portion of the album is dedicated to "Variations for Piano, Op. 30," a suite of nine movements that demonstrate Leighton's versatility and innovation. Each movement offers a distinct mood and character, from the mysterious "Introduzione" to the lively "Toccata" and the delicate "Ninna-Nanna."

The album also includes the "Piano Sonata, Op. 64," a three-movement work that showcases Leighton's skill in crafting intricate and expressive piano compositions. The sonata's movements, titled "Lento e chiaro," "Chorale with Contrasts," and "Toccatas and Chorale," provide a rich and varied listening experience.

Recorded in 1992 and released under the Chandos label, this album is a testament to Kenneth Leighton's enduring legacy as a composer. With a duration of approximately 1 hour and 9 minutes, "Chamber Works" is a comprehensive introduction to Leighton's artistry, making it an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection.

1 januari 1993

1993 Chandos Records

About Kenneth Leighton

Kenneth Leighton, born in Wakefield in 1929, was a distinguished British composer and pianist whose musical journey was as rich and varied as the landscapes of his beloved Scotland. Beginning his musical education as a chorister at Wakefield Cathedral, Leighton's early prowess earned him the LRAM Piano Performer's Diploma while still in school. His academic pursuits led him to Oxford, where he studied Classics, but his heart remained in music, influenced by notable figures like Gerald Finzi, Edmund Rubbra, and Vaughan Williams. Leighton's compositions span a wide range of genres, from church and choral music to concertos, symphonies, and even an opera. His distinctive style, a blend of English and Italian traditions, is evident in his ten mass settings alone, each in a different language and style. As a teacher at universities in Leeds, Oxford, and primarily Edinburgh, Leighton's influence extended beyond his own compositions, inspiring generations of musicians. His legacy endures in his extensive body of work, which continues to captivate audiences with its depth and talent.